Deadline: 29-Sep-026
The European Commission is spearheading a transformative initiative to develop next-generation cognitive electronic warfare systems that combine artificial intelligence, advanced signal analysis, and multi-sensor integration to safeguard EU maritime interests and maintain technological superiority.
This initiative focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced digital and radiofrequency technologies to transition from multiple independent sensors to a multi-sensor netted approach, enhancing situational awareness. The objectives include developing scalable and adaptable systems capable of operating with unmanned vehicles, leveraging cognitive capabilities to accelerate decision-making and response times, automating certain threat responses, and improving operability, maintainability, and interoperability across EU platforms. The program also prioritizes the demonstration of AI-enhanced radar electronic support measures (RESM) and communications electronic support measures (CESM) within a demonstrator, aligning with ongoing EU initiatives and contributing to deep and digital technology objectives under STEP.
The increasing complexity of modern naval operations necessitates electronic warfare systems capable of handling multiple simultaneous threats in electromagnetically congested environments. Current solutions are limited, requiring complex integration of diverse sensors and frequency bands. This topic aims to develop cognitive EW systems that can detect, learn, and interact with the operational environment using AI and machine learning. Such systems will interpret large volumes of data from multiple sources, operate autonomously, provide faster and higher-quality intelligence, and automate system responses to improve reaction times in critical situations.
Proposals should focus on the development of a technology integration demonstrator combining hardware and software, integrating the cognitive model with multiband RF modules, and proving enhanced operational capabilities. Feasibility assessments should address the availability of necessary data, including classified information, and define mitigations where access is limited. The use of FSTP should be described when applicable, along with contributions from relevant experts.
Eligible participants include legal entities, public or private, established in EU Member States or EDF-associated countries, with executive management in eligible countries and free from control by non-associated third-country entities unless approved guarantees are provided. The indicative budget for this call under the EDF-2026-DA program is EUR 24,000,000, covering studies, design, and eligible development actions upstream and downstream.
For more information, visit EC.
